Obituary of Kevin Derby

Kevin Patrick Derby, 68, of Manchester, CT passed away peacefully at his home on February 13, 2023. Kevin was born in Silver Spring, Maryland on Jan. 12, 1955, the son of Thomas J. Derby Sr., of Camden, Maine, and the late Margaret "Peggy Anne” Brault Derby of Manchester.

A graduate of Manchester High, he began his wanderlust with his college years, spending a year at Regis College in Denver, Colorado, followed by a year at the University of Maine, Machias. It was here where Kevin’s love of horticulture blossomed. Looking for something more meaningful in his life, Kevin enlisted in the Peace Corp. It was during his 5 years spent in Eswatini Africa, when Kevin met his wife Noreen, niece of King Mswati III. They returned to the U.S., married and settled down in Manchester. Kevin finished his degree at Eastern CT State University. 

Kevin worked for the Town of Manchester Water Department as a chemist for 20 years.  Upon retiring, Kevin and Noreen relocated to Eswatini for 5 years, returning to Manchester in 2022. 

Kevin is survived by Noreen, his father Thomas Derby Sr of Camden ME, sisters Susan (John) Pouliot, of Hancock, New Hampshire, Dr. Mary Derby, of Tucson, Arizona, and brothers Patrick Derby of Enfield, Timothy Derby (Rebecca) of Ellington, and Michael Derby (Cheryl) of Woodstock, Georgia. Kevin is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and a large extended family and friends. Kevin was predeceased by his mother, brothers Thomas, Brendan, and a sister Catherine.  

Family and friends may call on the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center Street Manchester, CT on Thursday, February 16^th, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. with a funeral home service at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be held on Friday, February 17^th, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint James Cemetery, Broad St. in Manchester.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tallwood Urology & Kidney Fund, Hartford Hospital, Dept. of Philanthropy, 80 Seymour Street, P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102 or online at https://giving.hartfordhospital.org/tributegifts

The Family would also like to thank the nurses of Hartford Hospital Bliss 9, especially Dr.’s Einstein, Moya Tapia, and Eskander for their care and compassion. For online condolences, please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.